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Texas deputy killed in crash with semitruck

Wood County Deputy Melissa Pollard was fatally injured when she hit the truck from behind in her cruiser

WOOD COUNTY, Texas — A Texas deputy has died following a crash involving a semitruck, KLTV reported.

Deputy Melissa Pollard of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office died Wednesday following a crash at an intersection, according to the report.

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper at the scene, Pollard was on duty when her patrol vehicle struck the rear of an 18-wheeler that was making a left-hand turn. The trooper noted there were no signs of braking from the deputy’s vehicle prior to impact, according to the report.

Pollard was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured in the crash.

“Please pray for the Pollard family, Wood County Sheriff’s Office family, and all other parties involved in this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office stated.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com